Fourth Form Courses for
September 2017
A Guide for Pupils and Parents
Contents
Contents ............................................................................ 2
The Curriculum ............................................................... 3
The Core Subjects ............................................................ 4
English ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Mathematics ................................................................................................................................. 5
Science ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Biology ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Chemistry ................................................................................................................................. 6
Physics ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Modern Languages ....................................................................................................................... 7
French ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Option 1: German or Spanish .................................................................................................. 7
Latin ............................................................................................................................................. 8
History.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Theology, Philosophy and Ethics................................................................................................. 9
Art ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Design and Technology ............................................................................................................... 9
Music.......................................................................................................................................... 10
The Option Subjects ...................................................... 11
Option 1: German or Spanish.................................................................................................... 12
Option 2: Classical Greek ......................................................................................................... 12
Option 2: Geography................................................................................................................. 12
Contact Details ............................................................... 13
Subject Choices Form .................................................... 14
2
The Curriculum
In the Fourth Form the compulsory examined core of the curriculum includes English,
Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, French, Latin, History, Theology, Art, Design
Technology and Music.
There are two choices to be made as follows:
• Option One is between German and Spanish
• Option Two is between Classical Greek and Geography
Before finalising the timetable with regard to these options, we will take note of advice from the
school where a pupil is currently studying and consider a pupil’s performance in the Common
Entrance, Entrance or Scholarship examinations.
The Fourth Form course allows pupils to maintain and develop or establish their academic interests
before they make their (I)GCSE decisions in the May before the Remove year.
Some information about the subjects studied during the Fourth Form is given below. Further
information is available from the Head of Department of the subject concerned.
Boys are taught in Forms for the majority of their subjects (the top three Forms are streamed by
ability, the other three Forms are mixed ability) and divisioned by ability in Mathematics.
3
The Core Subjects
4
English
The Fourth Form English course aims to excite and inspire pupils about the prospect of reading and
studying literature, whilst at the same time ensuring that they master the skills that will prepare
them for IGCSE study and enable them to read and write with precision. Pupils will study at least
three literary texts in detail and undertake a range of creative writing tasks. In addition, they will
complete the Charterhouse English Foundation Course, designed to secure the essential principles
of spelling and grammar, as well as seeking to build a strong foundation in vocabulary. There is
also an emphasis on reading for pleasure: there are regular lessons in the School Library and pupils
are encouraged to read widely in their spare time.
Mathematics
Pupils study the following five areas of mathematics and cover the sub topics as follows thereby
laying the foundations for future progress:
Number
Percentages, Standard form, Fractions, Accuracy, Ratios, Proportion, Highest Common Factors
and Lowest Common Multiples, Using a calculator efficiently, Upper and Lower Bounds and
Estimation
Algebra
Simplifying Expressions, Solving equations using formulae, Indices, Inequalities, Factorising and
Simultaneous equations
Graphs
Gradients, Linear graphs and Travel graphs
Geometry
Circle theorems, Similar triangles, Pythagoras’ Theorem, Trigonometry of a right-angled triangle,
Constructions and Loci
Handling Data
Using frequency tables to calculate means
5
Science
Charterhouse pupils study all three sciences individually to IGCSE in the belief that it is important
to ensure both breadth and depth of study, in order that boys have a good understanding of the
world around them and a confidence with a range of subjects and disciplines.
Biology
In the Fourth Form, the aim is to inspire and develop the full range of skills that a scientist needs
and thus the approach is driven through practical work in order to develop experimental,
investigative and analytical skills. The laboratories are filled with rare bottled specimens and
taxidermy, as well as the latest molecular and micro-biological equipment.
The course begins with simple measuring experiments and develops to more complex biochemical
investigations and dissections. Pupils make presentations to the rest of their form and the discussion
of current scientific issues is encouraged. Consideration is given to the nature and variety of living
organisms and starts with their cell structures. Comparisons are made between bacterial cells and
those of plants, animals and fungi. Microscopy using live cells and fresh tissue, as well as prepared
slides, brings this to life. Pupils also learn introductory biochemistry including the structures and
uses of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. This knowledge is applied in understanding digestion and
enzyme action.
Chemistry
The course provides a thorough introduction to the separate discipline of chemistry, its reactions
and industrial applications. All of this is supplemented by practical work which is designed to
support the theory and also develop skills in the correct handling of small and delicate equipment as
well as hazardous substances.
The study of chemistry in the Fourth Form builds on the Common Entrance syllabus (and other
typical senior school preparation courses), with which it has a small number of topics in common
(for example the change of states of matter and paper chromatography). It is designed to provide a
solid foundation and equip pupils with the tools necessary to master the subsequent two years of the
IGCSE course. Pupils will begin their studies with the concept (a simple model) of the atom and
examine the types of bonding that are found when atoms form compounds. The reactions of various
substances are investigated both in the laboratory and on paper. For this reason a great deal of
emphasis is put on the 'language of Chemistry': its symbols and how they are used in the
construction of chemical equations.
6
Physics
The aims of this course are to learn about a wide range of physics topics and ideas as well as to
develop and apply problem solving and mathematical skills. Additionally, there is an emphasis on
the role of physics in terms of its social, economic and environmental importance.
The Fourth Form affords an opportunity to consolidate work that has been previously studied, as
well as extending practical skills and knowledge into slightly more advanced areas of physics.
Classroom and experimental work is complemented by the use of IT to research information and to
tabulate data, draw graphs and perform some data analysis, mostly using Excel. This range of
activities is reflected in the tasks set which includes problem solving, researching information,
analysis of experiments and report writing. Topics covered during the year include aspects of
motion, electricity, radioactivity and the properties of waves.
Modern Languages
As all boys study French, it is expected that all of them will have an essential awareness of the
language prior to arriving at Charterhouse.
All pupils also choose German or Spanish to be studied as a second modern language and this can
be studied ab initio or as a continuation language.
After the Fourth Form, pupils must study one language of their choice to IGCSE, but they are free
to add further languages as optional subjects. This requirement is in the belief that internationalmindedness and linguistic confidence are important aspects of our society.
French
Option 1: German or Spanish
The principal aim in the Under School subjects in French, German and Spanish is to encourage
confidence and accuracy in the use of foreign languages. Pupils will be taught to express themselves
clearly and coherently in a variety of different situations. Emphasis is placed on the steady
acquisition and regular use of new vocabulary within a practical context. All four core skills
(Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) are comprehensively covered.
7
Latin
All boys in the Fourth Form will be studying Latin: no prior knowledge of Latin is required. The
course offers all pupils the opportunity to develop their linguistic awareness and to be enriched by
the experience of the Classical world; this includes learning outside the timetable through society
lectures and seminars, debates, competitions and trips.
The aim of the course is to ensure that experienced Latinists consolidate and develop their
understanding of the Latin language sufficiently well enough to allow them to undertake further
study with confidence. Less experienced Latinists are required to reach a good standard by the end
of the year, such that any pupil, regardless of the extent of their exposure to Latin before arrival at
Charterhouse, should have covered enough Latin to continue the subject to GCSE should he so
choose. The study of Latin at all levels develops analytical skills, problem-solving, and awareness
of linguistic concepts, not only in Latin but also English and other modern languages.
The language is not studied in isolation. The course looks at the history of Roman civilisation from
its mythical foundations, through to the kingship and the early days of the Roman Republic. Pupils
are afforded the opportunity to look at the literature of Virgil and Livy in the original, in order to
help develop their literary and historiographical analysis.
History
The Fourth Form History course focuses on the First and Second World Wars. Key events such as
the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Britain and Stalingrad will be analysed, alongside more
thematic studies such as the development of weapons and the conditions in which the soldiers had
to fight. Questions will also be posed trying to account for the origins of the two wars and why the
Allies ended up victorious in both 1918 and 1945: this will allow pupils to consider the implications
of short and long term factors in History.
The pupils will not just study military history. The wars will be placed in the political, social and
cultural contexts of the time with analysis of the Suffragettes and the development of the early
stages of the Cold War. Additionally, time in the year is put aside for a library-based research
project on the First World War, and an archives-based project on an Old Carthusian who died in the
First World War: here the pupils have an opportunity to work collaboratively and use the School
Archives to investigate the life of a boy who was at the School in the early twentieth century.
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Theology, Philosophy and Ethics
In a Carthusian’s first year, he will have a taste of the many areas of study that make up the subject,
whilst he will also learn some of the key skills of analysis, argument, and empathy required to
become an effective thinker.
Pupils begin by exploring the very first evidence for any religious belief at all, looking at the
development of ideas through early burials, goddess worship, the paintings of the Lascaux Caves,
and Stonehenge. They will study the evidence and learn to formulate for themselves what they think
the evidence shows that these early people believed in each case. Subsequently, they will then study
afterlife beliefs from ancient Egypt, Sumeria (the tombs of Ur), and China (in particular, the
terracotta warriors of Qin Shi Huangdi). In several instances, we are fortunate to have artefacts that
help collapse the time between us and those we are studying. After this a turn is made to a historical
study of Islam and Christianity before taking up the more ethical and philosophical aspects of the
course with an introduction to the issue of abortion and a look at some philosophical questions of
how we think and know about the world around us.
Art
Studio provides an enjoyable and creative program of study for Art in the Fourth Form and it
remains open every afternoon in the aspiration that pupils will use their facilities as and when they
wish.
Pupils are exposed to a range of techniques and activities such as ceramics, print- making, painting,
drawing and photography. There is also a chance to use Apple Macs to animate and manipulate
images. Practical activities are supported through research and through learning about artists and
designers from different periods and cultures. Pupils are given a sketchbook and encouraged to
draw and develop their ideas independently both within and beyond the classroom.
Design and Technology
Over the year, Fourths are introduced to a range of historical and contemporary design. Pupils are
taught basic workshop practice and spend each Quarter pursuing one project to completion. The
projects are designed to expose pupils to the broadest range of design and manufacturing techniques
so as to provide them with enough of an introduction for further study. Projects include:
• Desk tidy/lamp/mobile phone charger product
• Clock design using laser cutter
• Bottle opener
• USB memory stick (3D Printing)
As well as set projects, pupils are encouraged to use the JDTC facilities outside of hash time to
work on their own projects.
9
Music
The Fourth-Form Music course offers the opportunity to develop a familiarity with Western music
(theory, history & analysis), either as a preparation for the IGCSE course from the Remove year, or
as a free-standing course that will enable Carthusians to make better sense of what they hear at
School concerts and in Chapel for the remainder of their Charterhouse career, and beyond.
No previous musical experience is assumed, and the course aims to help pupils to recognise and
understand various styles and devices, and thus to form an appreciation of similarities and
differences between composers.
10
The Option Subjects
11
Option 1:
German or Spanish
See page 7.
Option 2:
Classical Greek
One of the principal attractions of studying Classical Greek is that the language, literature and
culture of Ancient Greece have had such a profound influence on our own. The aim of this Fourth
Form course is to ensure that, by the end of the year, boys know enough of the language for the
benefit of further study. Greek works in a very similar way to Latin, so similar skills are required to
study it successfully. It is possible to take up Classical Greek in the Fourth Form without any
previous knowledge, provided that the pupil enjoys the rigour of tackling new linguistic principles.
As with Latin, boys will be encouraged to develop their ability to approach linguistic problems in a
methodical and analytical way, through close attention to detail and synthesising new ideas with
previous learning. The material read during this year is from a comprehensive beginners’ course
which combines rigorous grammatical scaffolding with a wide range of background material from
Greek history and culture, including extracts from Aesop’s fables and Homer’s Odyssey. As with
Latin, plenty of opportunity for enrichment is offered outside of the curriculum. Boys who have
enjoyed Latin at their prep school but who have not yet had the opportunity to study Classical
Greek are most welcome, as well as those who already have some experience of the language.
Option 2:
Geography
Geography in the Fourth Form is an exciting subject that leaves behind the constraints of the
Common Entrance syllabus and enjoys the freedom of not having any public examinations for
which pupils are expected to prepare. Study is undertaken of a wide range of local, regional and
global issues, whilst simultaneously developing key geographical and IT skills that prepare pupils
well for further study of the subject. In OQ, a study is made of local issues, including maps and
modern mapping techniques. There is a geology-based section that looks at different rock types
around the School. There are also field trips to Hindhead to investigate the impact of the A3 Tunnel
and to the Devil’s Punchbowl to examine a heathland ecosystem. In LQ, an international
perspective is introduced, investigating issues of climate, population, politics and disparity in both
Europe and China. In CQ, pupils study the major issues of climate change and globalisation.
There are three continuously assessed projects to complete, one each Quarter, instead of an end of
year examination. First, there is the ‘Geography in the News’ project, in which pupils choose a
current news article and explore issues surrounding it. This is followed by a study and subsequent
essay on the success of China’s “One Child” Policy, before the year is rounded off with the creation
of a website on the school’s intranet that looks at the London 2012 Olympics and the legacy.
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Contact Details
Deputy Headmaster (Academic)
Mr JH Kazi
[email protected]
291772
The Admissions Registrar
Mrs I Hutchinson
[email protected]
291775
Senior Tutor
Mr SPM Allen
[email protected]
291743
Head of Higher Education and Careers
Mrs LJ Wakeling
[email protected]
291605
IB Diploma Programme Coordinator
Mr RJ Paler
[email protected]
291762
Master of the Under School
Miss EJ Fox
[email protected]
Art
Mr P Monkman
[email protected]
Classics
Mr J Nelmes
[email protected]
Design and Technology
Mr TJ Aberneithie
[email protected]
English
Mr NP Wakeling
[email protected]
Geography
Mr P Price
[email protected]
History
Mrs CL Robinson
[email protected]
Mathematics
Mr MK Elston
[email protected]
Modern Languages
Miss P Aguado
[email protected]
Classical Civilisation
Classical Greek
Latin
English
Literature in English
French
Mr GHM Gergaud
[email protected]
German
Mr JL Price
[email protected]
Spanish
Miss P Aguado
[email protected]
Music
Mr RCD Millard
[email protected]
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
Mr E Hadley
[email protected]
Science
Dr DA Cruse
[email protected]
Biology
Mr PA Bagley
[email protected]
Chemistry
Dr RH Snell
[email protected]
Physics
Dr D Lancefield
[email protected]
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Subject Choices Form
Please complete this form indicating the choices for your son and return to the Admissions Office by 1 June 2016 at
the latest.
Boy’s surname:
Boy’s forename:
House
Choice One:
Please select one language only and record how many years your son has studied the selected language:
German
Spanish
Years of study
Years of study
Choice Two:
Please select one subject:
Classical Greek
Geography
Languages:
All boys study French and Latin: please record how many years your son has studied of each these languages:
Years of study
French
Latin
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